Distributed power manager

ABSTRACT

A distributed power network includes a power bus infrastructure distributed over a region with node points provided to interface with controllable power nodes. Each power node can be connected to an external power device such as a DC power source, a DC power load, or a rechargeable DC battery. The power nodes form a communication network and cooperate with each other to receive input power from DC power sources and or rechargeable DC batteries connected to the power bus infrastructure and distribute the power received therefrom to the power bus infrastructure for distribution to the DC power loads and to rechargeable DC batteries

1 COPYRIGHT NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document may contain materialthat is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has noobjection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent documentor the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and TrademarkOffice patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyrightrights whatsoever. The following notice shall apply to this document:Copyright©, Protonex Technology Corp.

2 BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 2.1 Field of the Invention

The exemplary, illustrative, technology herein relates to systems,software, and methods of a distributed DC power network that includes aplurality of power nodes each operable to connect an external powerdevice to a common power bus wherein each power node includes a digitaldata processor and a communication interface operable to receive powerfrom a power source or rechargeable DC battery or deliver power to apower load or a rechargeable DC battery.

The technology herein has applications in the areas of DC powerdistribution and allocation and to recharge rechargeable DC batteries.

2.2 The Related Art: Centralized Power Management

Conventional power management control systems use a central dataprocessor running an energy management schema program to pole powerdevices connected to a common power bus over a device port and to managepower distribution to and from the power bus. Conventional powermanagers usually operate the power bus with a fixed DC bus voltage andprovide DC to DC power converters disposed between the power bus and thedevice ports. When an external power device is operable at the fixed DCbus voltage the power device is connected directly to the power buswithout the need for power conversion.

The central data processor runs an energy management schema programoperable to communicate with external DC power devices connected todevice ports over a communication interface and to determine theexternal device type, i.e. DC power source, DC power load orrechargeable DC battery, operating characteristics such as a voltagerange, a current range, power demand, battery State of Charge (SoC), orthe like. Based on the collected information the energy managementschema decides on a network configuration, connects external powerdevices to and disconnects external power devices from the power bus,and distributes any available input power to one or more connected powerloads and or rechargeable DC batteries and in some operating modes arechargeable battery can be used as an input power source. Examples ofconventional portable DC power managers are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.8,775,846 entitled PORTABLE POWER MANAGER, in U.S. Pat. No. 8,638,011entitled POWER MANAGER OPERATING METHODS, and in U.S. Pat. No. 8,333,619entitled POWER MANAGERS AND METHODS FOR OPERATING POWER MANAGERS, all toRobinson et al. and all assigned to Protonex Technology Corp. ofSouthborough Mass.

While the example conventional power managers described above providethe desired power distribution characteristics, they each require thateach external power device be tethered to a central power manager moduleby a different cable. This limits the spatial distribution of theexternal power devices to the length of the cables and the cables addweight to the overall power distribution network which is undesirablebecause the power managers are carried by infantry soldiers.Additionally because the example conventional power managers onlyinclude a limited number of device ports, the number of power devicesusable by the power device manager is limited by the number of ports.

To solve the above described problems of conventional power managers,distributed power networks have been described without cable connectionssuch as in U.S. Pat. No. 6,476,581 entitled, METHODS FOR MAKING APPARELAND SENSOR COVERING WITH ENERGY CONVERTING, STORING AND SUPPLYINGCAPABILITIES AND OTHER ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS INTEGRATED THEREIN, by Lewand in U.S. Pat. Appl. No. 20120007432 entitled, WEARABLE POWERMANAGEMENT SYSTEM by Rice et al. Both Lew and Rice disclose powerdevices connected to a common power bus without using a cable. While Lewdescribes a smart jacket that includes solar cells connected to a powerbus or grid distributing power to rechargeable batteries and varioussensor connected to the power grid, the disclosure mainly describescollecting sensor data rather than power distribution. Rice describes adistributed power bus worn by a user and a plurality of individual powermanagement devices with each one disposed between an external powerdevice and the power bus. Each power manager device includes acontroller, a DC to DC power converter, and voltage and current sensors,and is operable to exchange power between the external device and thepower bus. However, one problem with the power manager device disclosedby Rice is that it requires two DC to DC power converters, one toconvert input power and one to convert output power, and this addsunnecessary weight and complexity to the overall system.

3 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features of the present invention will best be understood from adetailed description of the invention and example embodiments thereofselected for the purposes of illustration and shown in the accompanyingdrawings in which:

FIG. 1 depicts a schematic view of a non-limiting exemplary distributedpower network according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 depicts a schematic view of a non-limiting exemplary embodimentof control and communication elements of a power node connected betweenan external power device and the power bus infrastructure of the presentinvention.

FIG. 3 depicts a schematic view of a non-limiting exemplary distributedpower node according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 depicts a schematic view of a non-limiting exemplary power busaccording to the present invention.

FIG. 4 depicts a schematic view of a non-limiting exemplaryconfiguration of a distributed power network according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 6 depicts a schematic view of a non-limiting exemplarycommunication bus according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 depicts a schematic view of a non-limiting exemplary combinedpower and communication bus according to the present invention.

4 DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION 4.1 Definitions

The following definitions are used throughout, unless specificallyindicated otherwise:

TERM DEFINITION External Power A DC power load, a DC power source, or aDevice rechargeable DC battery. Power Node A controllable elementdisposed between a power bus infrastructure and an external power deviceat least operable to connect the external power device to the power busor to disconnect the external power device from the power bus. Bus PowerPort An electrical interface provided to electrically interface a powernode to a power bus. Device Power An electrical interface provided toelectrically interface Port an external power device to a power node.Energy An energy management schema includes various Management programs,firmware algorithms, and policy elements Schema operating on a digitaldata processor to receive input power into a power management networkfrom one or more input ports and to distribute output to external powerdevices connected to one or more output ports.

4.2 Item Number List

The following item numbers are used throughout, unless specificallyindicated otherwise.

# DESCRIPTION # DESCRIPTION 100 Distributed power network 300 Universalpower node  21a Device power port  30a Power device port  22a Devicepower port  30b Power bus port  23a Device power port 311 Controllableswitch 1  21b Bus power port 312 Controllable switch 2  22b Bus powerport 313 Controllable switch 3  23b Bus power port 314 Controllableswitch 4 101 Output power node 330 Universal power node controller 102Bus compatible power node 340 Controllable power converter 103 Inputpower node 341 Power converter input side 110 Power bus infrastructure342 Power converter output side 111 Controllable switch 351 Two-waypower channel 112 Controllable switch 352 Two-way power channel 113Controllable switch 353 Two-way power channel 120 Communication network354 One-way power channel 131 Local controller 355 One-way power channel132 Local controller 356 Two-way power channel 133 Local controller 357Two-way power channel 141 Output power converter 358 Two-way powerchannel 143 Input power converter 360 Universal power node battery 151Power channel 152 Power channel 400 Distributed power network 153 Powerchannel  31a Power device port 180 Power bus battery  31b Power bus port 32a Power device port 200 Control infrastructure  32b Power bus port205 Power node  33a Power device port 210 Power bus infrastructure  33bPower bus port 215 External power device 405 Combined power andcommunication infrastructure 220 Bus power port 410 Node point 225Device power port 450 Power source 230 Power channel 455 Power load 235DC to DC power converter 240 Digital data processor 510 Power businfrastructure 245 Node memory module 520 Conductive pathways 247 Nodebattery 250 Node communication 610 Communication network interfacemodule 255 Node communication 620 Conductive pathways channel 260External communication interface device 265 Switch module 710 Combinedpower and communication infrastructure 267 External digital data 720Node point processor 270 External communication channel 275 Networkcommunication channel 280 External power element 285 External powerchannel 290 External memory module 295 Power sensor

4.3 Exemplary System Architecture 4.3.1 Exemplary Distributed PowerManagement Network

Referring to FIG. 1, a schematic diagram of a first exemplarynon-limiting embodiment of the present invention depicts a distributedpower network (100). The distributed power network (100) includes apower bus infrastructure (110) extending over a region and acommunication network (120). The power bus infrastructure (110) includespower distribution architecture such as a common power bus or electricalconductor, or logical overlays equivalent to a common power bus. Thepower bus infrastructure (110) is one or more interconnected conductivepathways provided to electrically interface with a plurality of externalpower devices in a manner that allows power to be received from ordelivered to any external power device. Each external power deviceinterfaces to the power bus infrastructure over a power node (101),(102), (103) which includes power control and communication elements.The control elements at least include a switch operable to connect ordisconnect the external power device to the power bus infrastructure.The communication elements are operable to communicate with an externalpower device connected to the power node and with other power nodes.

In a non-limited exemplary embodiment the power bus infrastructure (110)comprises one or more wire pairs, or other conductive structures formedby two conductors that form a current carrying circuit disposed over aregion. Alternately the power bus infrastructure may include an array ofinterconnected wire pairs or may comprise a cable harness having aplurality of node connection points. Ideally the power businfrastructure (110) can be electrically interfaced with a power node(101, 102, 103) at any convenient locations that allow power nodes to beadded or removed anywhere over the region covered by the power businfrastructure. Alternately the power bus infrastructure is configuredwith a plurality of attachment points or power bus ports (21 b, 22 b, 23b) at fixed locations. t

The distributed power network (100) includes a plurality of power nodes(101), (102), and (103). Each power node is electrically interfaced tothe power bus infrastructure (110) over a bus power port (21 b), (22 b),(23 b). The bus ports (21 b, 22 b, 23 b) may be entirely associated withthe power bus infrastructure (110), entirely associated with the powernode infrastructure (101, 102, 103) or partially provided on the powerbus infrastructure (110) and partially provided on the power node (101,102, 103).

Each power node (101) (102) and (103) includes a device power port (21a) (22 a) and (23 a) provided to electrically interface with an externalpower device. The device power ports (21 a, 22 a, 23 a) may be entirelyassociated with the power nodes (101, 102, 103), entirely associatedwith the external power device (215) or may be partially provided on thepower node and partially provided on the external power device.

Each power node (101), (102) and (103) includes a digital data processoror the like running an energy management schema capable of performingvarious logical operations such as operating various control elementsprovided on the power node and communicating with connected externalpower devices and with outer power nodes. Each power node (101), (102)and (103) includes a communication interface device e.g. a networkinterface device operable to establish a communication network (120)that includes other power nodes and to exchange command and controlsignals and data with all other power nodes associated with thedistributed power network (100).

Communication network (120) includes communication networkinfrastructure operable to interconnect each power node with each otherpower node wherein each power node also becomes a node of thecommunication network (120) so that all the power nodes can communicatewith each other using a single network protocol. Alternately a powernode may include a network protocol conversion module or may includemultiple network interface devices each having a different networkinterface capability. The power node device configuration is preferablyoperable to establish a peer-to-peer network with every other power nodein the distributed power network (100) and to communicate with otherpower nodes as peers. Communication network (120) embodiments mayinclude a wireless network based on any one of the IEEE 802.11 WirelessLocal Area Network (WLAN) protocols which include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, orany one of the IEEE 802.11 WLAN protocols. Communication network (120)embodiments may also include a wired network infrastructure such as anyone of the IEEE 802.3 wired Local Area Networks (LAN) protocols whichinclude Ethernet and Power over Ethernet (PoE) or the Universal SerialBus (USB) protocol which also provides a Power over USB option. In thiscase, each power node (101) (102) and (103) includes a network interfacedevice operable to communicate with other network nodes over an over anIEEE 802.3 LAN protocol when the power nodes are interconnected by awired communication network structure.

The power bus infrastructure (110) is configured to include a pluralityof power device connection points or power bus ports (21 b), (22 b), (23b). Each power bus port is operable to electrically interface a powernode (101) with the power bus infrastructure (110). Each power node(101, 102, 103) is electrically interfaced with an external power device(215) over a device power port (21 a, 22 a, 23 a). Additionally eachpower node includes at least one network interface device (250) incommunication with a local controller (131), (132), (133) (240) whereinthe network interface is operable to provide communicate between thepower node it is operating on and every other power node associated withthe distributed power network (100) over communications network (120).

In a preferred operating mode the power bus infrastructure (110) has anoperating voltage range wherein the operating voltage range is centeredon a nominal fixed voltage. Generally the nominal fixed voltage ismatched to an operating voltage of external power devices that are mostlikely to be managed by the power distribution network (100). In oneexample embodiment wherein the distributed power network operates in a12-volt DC environment such as in an automobile of other vessel thatincludes a 12-volt power generating system and utilizes 12-voltrechargeable DC battery to store energy, the power bus infrastructure(110) has an operating voltage range that is centered around 12 voltsDC. In other operating environments, e.g. where most devices that willbe connected to the power distribution network have an operating voltagerange centered at 48 volts DC, the power bus infrastructure (110) has anoperating voltage range that is also centered around 48 volts DC.However, as will be described below, some power nodes include DC to DCvoltage converters that can be used to power external devices or receivepower from external power sources that can only operate over anon-bus-compatible voltage range.

Each power node (101), (102), and (103) includes a local controller(131), (132), (133) that includes a programmable logic device operatingan energy management schema program and carrying out logical operationssuch as communicating with other logic devices, managing a memory moduleto store and recall data, reading sensor signals from power sensors, andoperating control devices such switches, a DC to DC power converter, orthe like.

Referring to FIG. 2, an exemplary control infrastructure (200) is shownschematically. The control infrastructure includes a power node (205)connected between the power bus infrastructure (210) and an externalpower device (215). The power node includes bus power port (220) anddevice power port (225) which are electrically interconnected by a powernode power channel (230). A DC to DC power converter (235) is disposedalong the power node power channel (230) between the device ports,unless the power node does not include a DC to DC power converter, as isthe case with power node (102) shown in FIG. 1.

Each power node controller e.g. (131, 132, 133) includes a digital dataprocessor (240), a memory module (245) and a node communicationinterface (250). A power node (205) can include an optional node battery(247). If present, the node battery (247) provides power to the digitaldata processor (240). The memory module and node communication interfaceare each in communication with the digital data processor (240) and maybe incorporated therein. A node communication channel (255) extends fromthe node communication interface (250) to the device power port (225)for communicating with the external power device (215).

The node power channel (230) includes switching module (265) disposedalong the power channel (230) between the bus power port (220) and thedevice power port (225). The switching module (265) is controllable bythe digital data processor (240) to open or close the switching module(265) as required to either connect the power node (205) to the powerbus infrastructure (210) when the switching module (265) is closed or todisconnect the power node (205) from the power bus infrastructure (110)when the switch module (265) is opened. A power sensor (295) isoptionally disposed along the node power channel (230) between theswitching module (265) and the device power port (225) to sense voltageamplitude, current amplitude or power amplitude and communicate a sensorsignal to the digital data processor (240).

Each device power port (225) includes a node communication channel (255)in communication with the digital device processor (240) over thecommunication interface (250) to communicate with the external powerdevice (215). The node communication channel (270) may comprise aone-wire identification interface configured to enable the digital dataprocessor (240) to query a connected external power device (215) forpower characteristics information. In some embodiments, a networkcommunication channel (275) extends between the communication interfacedevice (250) and the power bus port (220) when the power businfrastructure (210) also includes a wire communication infrastructureusable to communicate with other power nodes.

Each external power device (215) includes an external power element(280) connected to the device power port (225) over an external powerchannel (285). The external power element (280) is a power load, a powersource, or an energy storage element, e.g. an electrochemicalrechargeable DC battery. The external power device (215) at leastincludes an external memory module (290) interfaced with the devicepower port (225) by an external communication channel (270) over anexternal communication interface device (260). Additionally the externalpower device may include an external digital data processor (267) incommunication with the external memory module (290) and the externalcommunication interface device (260). Typically the external powerdevice memory module (290) stores characteristics of the power element(280) such as device type, operating voltage range, and specificinformation about power demand and or power availability. The powercharacteristics may further include instantaneous power demand of apower load, instantaneous input power amplitude of a power source andState of Charge (SoC) and energy storage capacity of a rechargeable DCbattery. Other power characteristics may include device ID, powerpriority setting, high and low current limits, battery charging profileinformation, use logs, or the like.

According to the present invention the control function of thedistributed power network (100) is not centralized but instead isdistributed over all of the active power nodes operating on thedistributed power network. Moreover an unlimited number of active powernodes can be added to the distributed power network without changing thecontrol aspects of the distributed power network. Thus all of the localcontrollers (131), (132), (132) operate to collectively andsimultaneously control power distribution over the distributed powernetwork (100) even as the configuration of the network changes e.g. byadding or removing power nodes and connecting or disconnecting externalpower devices or when the instantaneous input power and instantaneousload demand temporarily vary. In one example operating mode a singledigital data processor (240) operating on a power node (205) is operableas a master controller with the remaining node processors (240)operating as slave controllers.

Referring to FIG. 1, a distributed power network (100) includes threetypes of power nodes: input power node (103), bus compatible power node(102), and output power node (101).

Input power node (103) is used to convert the voltage of an input powersource input from a non-bus compatible voltage to a bus compatiblevoltage. Input power node (103) includes local controller (133) which isconfigured as shown in FIG. 2. Input power node (103) includes devicepower port (23 a) which is electrically interfaced to an external powersource. Device power port (23 a) for electrically interfacing with aninternal power source, and bus power port (23 b) for electricallyinterfacing with the power bus infrastructure (110) and a power channel(153) connecting the device ports (23 a) and (23 b). Power channel (153)includes controllable switch (113) and input power converter (143).Controllable switch (113) is operable to connect the power channel (153)to or disconnect the power channel from power bus infrastructure (110)to operatively connect or disconnect the external power source connectedto device port (23 a) to power bus infrastructure (110). Input powerconverter (143) is operable to step up or step down the incoming voltageto a voltage that is compatible with power bus infrastructure (110).Local controller (133) is operable to provide control signals tocontrollable switch (113) and to input power converter (143) and tocommunicate with other power nodes (101, 102) to broadcast its stateinformation, the power characteristics of the connected input powersource and the instantaneous input power available therefrom.

Local controller (133) of input power node (103) is able to run MaximumPower Point Tracking (MPPT) algorithms usable to convert input powerfrom unstable input power sources (e.g. having time varying input poweramplitude) to usable power having a substantially constant voltage thatis compatible with the main power bus. The operating voltage range ofthe input power source can be determined either by communicating withthe input power source or may be inferred from sensor signal feedback.Once the input voltage range is determined the local controller (133)provides set points to the DC to DC power converter (143) to match theincoming voltage to the bus compatible operating voltage. Additionallythe DC to DC power converter is operable to modulate input currentamplitude between substantially zero throughput and full throughput.Thus the local controller (133) is operable to monitor input poweramplitude at the power sensor (295) and to modulate power outputamplitude by varying current amplitude at the DC to DC power converter(143).

Bus compatible power node (102) is used to any connect external powerdevices that have a bus compatible operating voltage range to the powerbus infrastructure. Bus compatible power node (102) includes a localcontroller (132) as shown in FIG. 2. Bus compatible power node (102)includes two-way power channel (152) extending from device power port(22 a) to bus power port (22 b). Bus power port (22 b) is electricallyinterfaced to power bus infrastructure (110). Controllable switch (112)is disposed along power channel (152). Controllable switch (112) isoperable to connect or disconnect power channel (152) to power businfrastructure (110) to operably connect or disconnect an external powerdevice to power bus infrastructure (110). Local controller (132) isoperable to provide control signals to controllable switch (112).

Output power node (101) is used to connect a power load or rechargeablebattery having a non-bus-compatible operating voltage range to power businfrastructure (110). Output power node (101) includes local controller(131) shown in FIG. 2. Output power node (101) includes device powerport (21 a) to electrically interface with an external power load orrechargeable DC battery. Device power port (21 a) is electricallyconnected to bus power port (21 b) over power channel (151). Bus powerport (21 b) electrically interfaces to power bus infrastructure (110).Power channel (151) includes controllable switch (111) and output powerconverter (143) disposed along power channel (151). The controllableswitch (111) and the output power converter (141) are each operablycontrolled by the local controller (131). Controllable switch (111) isoperable to connect the power node to or disconnect the power node fromthe power bus infrastructure (110) to operatively connect or disconnectthe external power load or rechargeable DC battery to power businfrastructure (110). Output power converter (141) is operable by thelocal controller (131) to step up or step down the voltage of aninstantaneous power signal received from the power bus infrastructure toa voltage that is compatible with the operating voltage range of theconnected power load or rechargeable battery. Local controller (131) isoperable to provide control signals to controllable switch (111) and tooutput power converter (141).

The exemplary, non-limiting distributed power network (100) illustratedin FIGS. 1 and 2 includes three power nodes (101), (102), and (103).More generally, a distributed power network according to the presentinvention includes at least two power nodes and can include unlimitedadditional power nodes disposed over the available power businfrastructure and can distribute the input power to the connected powerloads. In a preferred embodiment, the power bus infrastructure (110)includes a plurality of bus power port (220) locations where power nodes(200) can be easily connected to or disconnected from the power businfrastructure (210) at desired locations as needed. By way of generalexample, the DC power bus infrastructure (210) may extend over abuilding or a vehicle, e.g. and air or water craft, with bus power ports(220) located at places where a user may need to recharge a DC batteryof a smart phone computer or other electronic device or to directlypower a DC power load such as a battery operated power tool, radio,instrument or the like. In another example the DC power businfrastructure (210) may extend over a garment worn by a user whereinthe bus power ports (220) are located at places where a user may need topower or recharge the batteries of various user worn devices such asnight vision goggles, a heads up helmet display, a portable radio, a GPSnavigation device, a watch, a data tracking device, or the like.

4.4 Method of Operation of Exemplary Distributed Power ManagementNetwork

In order to practically implement the distributed power network (100) acommunications and control scheme is established. The communicationsmethod allows any power node (101), (102), (103) to communicate with anyother power node over communication network (120). Communication betweenpower nodes is implemented using a peer-to-peer communications methodsuch as UDP or TCP over Ethernet or wireless network, other peer topeer, or other one-to-many network communication techniques. At leasttwo power nodes (e.g., nodes 101, 102, 103) are operably connected topower bus infrastructure (110), one connected to a DC power source,which may be a rechargeable DC battery, and another connected to a DCpower load, which may also be a rechargeable DC battery. Otherwise thenumber of connected nodes is unlimited. Each active power node iselectrically interfaced with an external power device operably connectedto the power bus infrastructure (210). Each power node queries itsconnected external power device (215) to determine characteristics ofthe connected power device. The characteristics at least include adevice type and an operating voltage. Other characteristics include peakand average power demand from power loads, available input power frompower sources, SoC and storage capacity from rechargeable DC batteries,and the like. Additionally external device characteristics may includepriority values usable to assign a power priority and a source priorityto each external power device. Each power node (205) further establishescommunications with each other power node over communications network(120). The power nodes exchange the characteristics of all connectedexternal power devices (215) over communication network (120) toestablish an instantaneous network configuration. An energy managementschema program operating on every one of the power node data processors(240) independently determines which external power sources to connectto the power bus infrastructure, which power loads to connect to thepower bus infrastructure and which external rechargeable DC batteries toconnect to the power bus to charge and or discharge. Additionally eachenergy management schema instance configures its local power converter(235), if so equipped, to perform any necessary power conversions and ifall of energy management instances agree each energy management schemainstance takes whatever local action that is required to implement anenergy distribution plan. Each power node is capable of implementing atleast two forms of control: local control; and network control. Localcontrol does not affect operation of the network and is not affected bythe network. Examples of local control include implementation ofsafeties, minimums, and maximums imposed either by the power nodehardware or the local external power device hardware. Network controlincludes each power node running the same power management schema usingthe same network configuration information and communicating with otherpower nodes to share a power distribution plan based on the currentnetwork configuration; and implementing that plan when all of the powernodes agree. Thereafter a power node will affect its own operation usingthe shared information to implement the plan locally.

As a general rule; external power loads are either allocated the fullpower demanded thereby; when available. However when a power load cannotbe allocated the full power allotment, it is disconnected from the powerbus infrastructure. As a further general rule: each rechargeable DCbattery is selected either as a power source from which stored energy isdrawn to power other external power devices, or as an energy storagedevice in which case the battery is charged. However unlike power loads,rechargeable DC batteries are charged without allocating full chargingpower. In other words rechargeable batteries are charged with whateverlevel of power amplitude is available, as long as the available powerdoes not exceed the batteries' maximum charging rate. Thus the energymanagement schema operates to power as many power loads with the maximumpower allocation as can be powered with the available input power and ifthere is any power left over, the left over power used to chargerechargeable batteries. Additionally when insufficient input power isavailable to power high priority power loads, power may be dischargedfrom one or more rechargeable DC batteries in order to power the highpriority power loads. The process of characterizing the networkconfiguration and distributing power is repeated every 20 to 100 msec.Additionally the process of characterizing the network configuration anddistributing power is repeated every time there is a change in thenetwork configuration, such as when an external power device is added toor removed from the distributed power network (100).

In an exemplary implementation, each of a plurality of external powerdevices (215) is electrically interfaced to a power node (205) and thepower node is electrically interfaced to the power bus infrastructure(210). The local data processor (240) of each of the power nodes (205)determines the power characteristics of the local external power deviceconnected thereto.

Each power node communicates with each other power node to shareinformation about its local environment. This includes sharing powercharacteristics of all the external power devices connected to the powerdistribution network including, device type, operating voltage, andother specific power characteristics of the external power device aswell as sharing characteristics of the power node itself such as powerconverter current and voltage limits, or the like.

Each local data processor (240) then operates the energy managementschema operating thereon to determine a configuration of the distributedpower network. The configuration includes local and network wideinformation about every external power device (215) and every power node(205) such as the instantaneous power demand and operating voltage ofall external power loads, the instantaneous power available andoperating voltage of all external power sources, the total powerrequired to allocated to network infrastructure to operate electricalcomponents such as data processors (240) and DC to DC power converters(235), the state of charge of all external rechargeable DC batteries,the state of every controllable switch (265) and the set point of everypower converter (235).

The local data processor (240) of each power node (215) of distributedpower network (100) then run the energy management schema to compute theelements of control for itself as well as the elements of control forall other power nodes on the network (100). Since all power nodesinclude the same energy management schema and the same information, eachpower node (205) can determine the elements of control for itself andfor each of the other power nodes, and act accordingly.

If any power node does not see any other power node perform the sameaction that is predicted for that power node, or if the any power nodeis unable to observe the actions of one or more other power nodes, thepower node will shut itself down as a safety. Because all power nodesare able to see all other power nodes' behavior, when one power nodeshuts down, all power nodes will shut down to a safe mode. This methodof watching every other power node's behavior, and responding with asafe condition if the predictions are not implemented, enables a systemfail safe.

Additional power nodes can be added to the power bus architecture andpower nodes can be removed from the power bus architecture. As powernodes are added to the power bus architecture, they establishcommunications with other power nodes connected to the power busarchitecture and join the distributed power network. Information isexchanged among the new set of power nodes and a new power networkconfiguration is calculated by each power node. Each additional powernode enables an additional power source, power load, or battery to beadded to the distributed power network. If one or more power nodes leavethe distributed power network, the remaining power nodes exchangeinformation and re-configure the power network according to the energymanagement schema and information about the remaining power nodes andpower devices.

4.4.1 Synchronization and Management of Exemplary Power ManagementNetwork

Each power node (101), (102), (103) includes a unique Node ID. Node IDmay be assigned or may be inherently included as a characteristic ofeach power node. Exemplary unique Node ID includes media address orserial number assigned to or inherently included as a characteristic ofa power node.

Communication among nodes is coordinated using a heartbeat. Theheartbeat is a timing signal used to coordinate network communications.The heartbeat signal is generated by a single heartbeat power node. Theheartbeat power node is elected from among the power nodes connected tothe distributed power network using a voting strategy that isimplemented by the power nodes of the power network (100). Exemplaryvoting strategies include electing the power node with the highest,lowest, or other serial number to create the heartbeat. The heartbeatsignal is communicated as a communications message over communicationnetwork (120) from the heartbeat power node to each other power nodes ofdistributed power network (100).

When a power node (e.g., 102) joins distributed power network (100), thenew power node connects to communication network (120) and attempts todetect a heartbeat signal. If the new power node does not detect aheartbeat signal, the new node becomes the heartbeat power node andgenerates a heartbeat signal. If the new node (102) detects a heartbeat,the new node establishes peer-to-peer communication with each of theother power nodes (e.g., 101, 103). The power nodes of distributed powernetwork (100), including the new (102) node and previously connectednodes (101) and (103), implement a voting strategy to select theheartbeat power node. The voting strategy to select the heartbeat powernode is repeated when a new node joins the distributed power network andwhen one or more network power nodes fail to detect a heartbeat signal.Failure to detect a heartbeat may occur, for example, if the currentlyelected heartbeat power node leaves the distributed power network.

The heartbeat power node causes all other power nodes to synchronize tothe heartbeat. Because any power node can be elected to become theheartbeat power node and generate the heartbeat signal, there iscomplete n for n redundancy in the system.

Each power node will perform a complete power management cycle within 6heartbeats. Power management sub-tasks are linked to heartbeats withineach cycle. Table 1 includes a list of six heartbeats (numbered 0through 5) with exemplary sub-tasks associated with each heartbeat.

TABLE 1 Heartbeat Sub-tasks 0 Reserved: Information is exchanged amongpower nodes 1 Each power node performs power network calculations 2Connect power sources and batteries to power bus infrastructure inpriority order 3 3a. Remove extra power from power bus infrastructure inpriority order from lowest priority to highest priority 3b. Shed loads,if needed, from power bus infrastructure in priority order from lowestpriority to highest priority 3c. Slow down battery charge in priorityorder from lowest priority to highest priority 4 4a. Connect loads topower bus infrastructure. 4b. Connect batteries to be charged to powerbus infrastructure 5 Connect unstable power sources to power businfrastructure if needed

In general, information is exchanged first, calculations are performedsecond, power sources are connected next, excess power is removed, andfinally power loads and unstable power sources are managed.

4.4.2 Universal Power Node

Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3 a universal power node (300) is usable asany one of an input power node with input voltage conversion, an outputpower node with output voltage conversion and a bus compatible powernode usable as an input power node, or an output power node withoutvoltage conversion. Universal power node (300) includes power convertinghardware and power channel circuitry that is configurable to enableuniversal power node (300) to perform power device connection and powersignal control functions of each of the input power node (103), theoutput power node (101), and the bus compatible power node (102) shownin FIG. 1 and described above. Additionally the universal power nodecontroller (330) is shown schematically in FIG. 2. Thus, a distributedpower network can be established, configured, and maintained usingmultiple instances of universal power node (300), each instanceincluding effectively identical components.

Universal power node (300) includes power device port (30 a) which iselectrically interfaced to an external power device and power bus port(30 b) which is electrically interfaced to a power bus architecture suchas, for example, power bus architecture (110). Power device port (30 a)includes a reconfigurable power channel, described below that extendsbetween the device power port (30 a) and the power bus port (30 b) toenable transfer of power between a connected external power device, e.g.(215), and the power bus infrastructure, e.g. (210). Power device port(30 a) also includes power node communication channel (255) to enablecommunications between a digital data processor (240) operating on theuniversal power node (300) and a connected power device e.g. (215). Asecond communication channel, e.g. (275) optionally extends from thedigital data processor (215) to the bus power port (30 b) to enablewired communication between universal power node (300) and other powernodes over a wired communication network provided as part of the powerbus infrastructure (210). Optionally the universal controller (330) isconfigured to communicate with other universal controllers using awireless network interface.

Universal power node (300) includes universal power node controller(330) which is configured as shown in FIG. 2. Universal power node (300)can also include a one-wire identification interface to the device powerport (30 a).

Universal power node (300) can include optional power node battery(360), (247). Power node battery (360) (247) is a rechargeable batterythat can be charged when universal power node (300) is operablyconnected to a power bus architecture, to a power source, or to anexternal battery, e.g. associated with the power bus infrastructure,capable of providing charge. Power node battery (360) (247) providespower to universal controller (330), enabling the functioning ofuniversal power node (300), when universal power node (300) is operablyconnected to a power bus architecture without external power supply,i.e. when the power bus architecture is not powered and when powerdevice port (30 a) is connected to a power load or to an externalbattery that does not supply power to universal power node, e.g., aninsufficiently charged external battery.

Universal power node (300) further includes a controllable DC to DCvoltage or power converter (340) disposed along a reconfigurable powerchannel that extends between power device port (30 a) and power bus port(30 b). In the present exemplary, non-limiting, embodiment, DC to DCpower converter (340) is a one-way DC to DC power converter having aninput side (341) and an output side (342). An input power signal enterspower converter (340) at input side (341). An output power signal exitspower converter (340) at output side (342). The power converter (340)can be configured to convert the voltage of an input power signal to adifferent output voltage of an output power signal and to modulate thecurrent amplitude of the output power signal. The DC to DC powerconversion is controlled by the controller (330) which determines theinput power signal voltage either by communicating the a connected powersource or determining instantaneous input voltage from a sensor signalfrom the power sensor (295).

Universal power node (300) includes power control circuitry comprisingfour controllable switches (311), (312), (313), and (314). Universalcontroller (330) is in communication with each controllable switch andis operable to send control signals to each switch. In an exemplaryembodiment, controllable switches (311), (312), (313), and (314) aresingle pole single throw type. Alternatively, the switches can beimplemented with multiple throws or multiple poles. Each controllableswitch (311), (312), (313), and (314) can be toggled to an open (off)position, to prevent current flow across the switch or toggled to aclosed (on) position to allow current flow across the switch. Theconfiguration of each switch is responsive to control signals receivedfrom the universal controller.

Universal power node (300) power control circuitry includes areconfigurable power channel that includes multiple power channels.Two-way (bidirectional) power channels are indicated by soliddouble-headed arrows and one-way power channels are indicated by solidsingle headed arrows. Power device port (30 a), power bus port (30 b),switches (311), (312), (313), (314) and power converter (340) areinterconnected by the reconfigurable power channel. Universal power node(300) power control circuitry is configurable to transfer power signalsbetween power device port (30 a) and power bus port (30 b) in eitherdirection (i.e., from power device port (30 a) to power bus port (30 b)or from bus port (30 b) to power device port (30 a)) with or withoutpower conversion by configuring the state of each of the controllableswitches (311), (312), (313), (314) and the state of the DC to DC powerconverter (340) in patterns of open and closed positions which are setforth in Table 2.

Universal power node (300) can be configured as an input power node, byclosing switches (311) and (314) and opening switches (312) and (313).In this case an input power signal received from an external powersource connected to the device power port (30 a) is directed to theinput side (341) of the DC to DC power converter (340). The DC to DCpower converter is configured to perform whatever voltage conversion isrequired to convert the input power signal to a bus compatible voltageand the converted input power signal passed to the bus power port (30 b)to the power bus infrastructure. Additionally if needed, the DC to DCpower converter can be operated to modulate the current amplitude of theinput power signal being voltage converted.

Universal power node (300) can be configured to a bus-compatible powernode, by opening switches (311) and (312) and closing switches (313) and(314). In this case an input power signal received from an externalpower source connected to the device power port (30 a) is directed tothe power bus port (30 b) without power conversion. Likewise when anexternal power load or rechargeable DC battery is connected to thedevice power port (30 a) an output power signal received from the powerbus infrastructure (210) is directed to device power port (30 a) withoutpower conversion.

Universal power node (300) can be configured as an output power node, byopening switches (311) and (314) and closing switches (312) and (313).In this case an output power signal received from the power businfrastructure (210) is directed to the input side (341) of the DC to DCpower converter. The DC to DC power converter is configured to performwhatever voltage conversion is required to convert the output powersignal to a voltage that is compatible with powering a non-buscompatible load or rechargeable DC battery connected to the device powerport (30 a). Additionally if needed, the DC to DC power converter can beoperated to module current amplitude of the output power signal beingvoltage converted.

Table 2 includes configuration of the controllable switches and of powerconverter (340) that corresponding universal power node configuration.

TABLE 2 Universal power node configuration Power control elementConfiguration Input Node Switch 1 (311) Closed Switch 2 (312) OpenSwitch 3 (313) Open Switch 4 (314) Closed Power converter (340) On Buscompatible node Switch 1 (311) Open Switch 2 (312) Open Switch 3 (313)Closed Switch 4 (314) Closed Power converter (340) Off Output NodeSwitch 1 (311) Open Switch 2 (312) Closed Switch 3 (313) Closed Switch 4(314) Open Power converter (340) On

4.4.3 Exemplary Distributed Power Management Network ComprisingUniversal Power Nodes

Referring to FIG. 4, an exemplary distributed power management network(400) comprising multiple universal power nodes (1), (2), (3) isillustrated. Each power node (1, 2, 3) may comprise any one of the nodes(101, 102, 103) or the universal node (300) described above. Each node(1, 2, 3) includes node control elements substantially as shown in FIG.2 and or as described above.

Referring to FIG. 5-7, combined power and communication infrastructure(710) includes a power bus infrastructure (510) and a wiredcommunication network (610) disposed over a region. The power businfrastructure (510) includes a plurality of conductive pathways (520)configured to carry electric current between a plurality of node points(720) wherein each node point (720) provides a location where any powerbus node such as (21 b, 22 b, 23 b, 30 b 220) can be electricallyinterfaced to the power bus infrastructure (510) at a node point (720).More specifically the power bus infrastructure (510) is configured toelectrically interconnect each node point (720) with each other nodepoint (720) with a power channel. The power channel (520) may comprise apair or pairs of conductive elements, e.g. a positive plate and negativeplate, or a grid of paired wires, or a loop of paired wires, or thelike.

Similarly, the wired communication network (610) includes a plurality ofconductive pathways (620) configured to carry a communication signalbetween node points (720) wherein each node point (720) provides alocation where any power bus node such as (21 b, 22 b, 23 b, 30 b, 220)can be interfaced to the wired communication bus infrastructure (610) ata node point (720). More specifically the wired communication businfrastructure (610) is configured to interconnect each node point (720)with each other node point (720) with a communication channel. Thecommunication channel may comprise a pair or pairs of conductiveelements, (620) e.g. a positive plate and negative plate, or a grid ofpaired wires, or a loop of paired wires, or the like.

In an embodiment power bus infrastructure (510) and wire communicationnetwork (610) of combined power and communication infrastructure (710)include separate conductive pathways implemented with separate medium,similar to power bus infrastructure (110) and communication network(120) of distributed power network (100). In an embodiment, power businfrastructure (510) and communication network (610) are combined usingexisting technologies such as power over Ethernet, Broadband PowerlineCommunications, e-textile systems or the like comprising power andcommunication busses, or wireless power.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a distributed power network (405) includesmultiple universal power nodes (1, 2, 3) each having its bus power port(31 b, 32 b, 32 c) connected to a combined power bus infrastructure andwired network infrastructure (405) at a different node point (410).Universal power node (1) includes power device port (31 a) connected apower source (450). Universal power node (2) includes power device port(32 a) connected to a power load (455). Universal power node (3)includes power device port (33 a) connected to a rechargeable DC battery(460).

When power network (400) is configured and operational, each universalpower node (1), (2), and (3) communicates with each other universalpower node in a peer-to-peer network configuration over communicationnetwork infrastructure (610). Additionally, each universal power node(1), (2), and (3) is operable to provide power to, or to receive powerfrom, the power bus architecture (510).

Distributed power network (400) includes multiple power devices. Eachpower node (1), (2) and (3) is operably to communicate with the externalpower device connected thereto, to determine power characteristics ofthe external power device, to share the power characteristics of theexternal power device with other power nodes, to receive powercharacteristics of external power devices connected to every other powernode, and to determine an operating mode for each power node in thedistributed power network. Thereafter if all the power nodes are inagreement, each power node is operable to configure itself in a desiredoperating mode or state and then to connect its external power device tothe power bus infrastructure or disconnect its external power devicefrom the power bus infrastructure to distribute power to or receivepower form the power bus infrastructure.

Power source (450) can include any source of DC power, for example asolar blanket or fuel cell, a vehicle battery or the like, a wind, wateror mechanical driven power generator, an AC power grid source driving anexternal DC power convertor, or the like as long as the input DC powervoltage, if not compatible with bus voltage, can be converted to a buscompatible voltage by the DC to DC power converter operating on node(1). Power load (455) can be connected to the power bus infrastructureto receive power therefrom as long as the bus compatible voltage canconverted to an operating voltage of the power load (455) by the outputDC to DC power converter operating on node (2). Typical power loads(455) include a DC power device such as most portable devices,computers, audio and telecommunications equipment, instruments, medicaldevices, power tools, DC lighting, vehicle power loads, or the like.

Battery (460) can be connected to the power bus infrastructure toreceive power therefrom or deliver power thereto as long as the DC to DCpower converter operating on node (3) can make the desired DC to DCvoltage conversion to exchange power between the battery and the powerbus infrastructure. The battery (460) is a rechargeable DC battery thatcan be discharged to the power bus infrastructure as a power source orcharged by the power bus infrastructure when unallocated power isavailable therefrom.

Each universal power node (1), (2), and (3) has a unique Node ID. In anembodiment, Node ID includes universal power node serial number.Alternatively, or in addition, Node ID can include universal power nodephysical address.

4.4.4 Initializing and Operating a Distributed Power Management NetworkComprising Universal Power Nodes

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4, an exemplary, non-limiting, discussion ofdistributed power network initialization and operation is presentedherein below. A distributed power network comprising power nodes, e.g.distributed power network (100) or (400), is initially configured byinterfacing two or more power nodes, e.g., (101), (102), (103), (1),(2), (3), to a power bus infrastructure (110) or combined power andcommunication architecture (405). The distributed power nodes do notinitially receive power from or provide power to the power busarchitecture (405). The distributed power nodes are not initially incommunication with each other.

In the case of the universal power node embodiment (300) an internalbattery (360) is usable to power the controller (330) to preforminitializing steps. If no internal battery is provided, the power businfrastructure (110) may include a DC battery (180) operating at a buscompatible voltage to provide initial power to connected power nodes tooperate the controllers thereof to establish communications with otherdistributed power nodes to detect a heartbeat signal and to synchronizewith the subtasks listed in TABLE 1. In this case each power node thatdoes not include an internal battery to power its controller isconfigured to draw power from the power bus infrastructure to initializeoperation of the power node.

In another operating mode, power sensors (295) are operable to detectinput power available from a connected external power source orrechargeable DC battery and to use the available input power to operatethe node controller to establish communications with other distributedpower nodes to detect a heartbeat signal and to synchronize with thesubtasks listed in TABLE 1. When no heartbeat is detected, the node mayestablish the heartbeat and configure itself to deliver the availableinput power to power bus infrastructure in an attempt to power otherpower node controllers and establish a distributed power network.

In an initial state of distributed power network (400), universal powernodes (1), (2), and (3) are electrically interfaced to combined powerbus architecture (405) but are not initially in communication with eachother. Universal power nodes (1) and (3) may be electrically interfacedwith external power devices, e.g., power source (450) and battery (460)capable of providing power to the power nodes, and optionally usinginternal battery power, can each be operated to communicate with anexternal power device connected thereto and determine if input power isavailable therefrom to power the power node without drawing power fromthe power bus infrastructure.

It will also be recognized by those skilled in the art that, while theinvention has been described above in terms of preferred embodiments, itis not limited thereto. Various features and aspects of the abovedescribed invention may be used individually or jointly. Further,although the invention has been described in the context of itsimplementation in a particular environment, and for particularapplications e.g. in a distributed DC power network, those skilled inthe art will recognize that its usefulness is not limited thereto andthat the present invention can be beneficially utilized in any number ofenvironments and implementations where it is desirable to distribute ACor DC power received from one or more power sources to a power businfrastructure distributed over a region in order to deliver power topower loads and rechargeable batteries distributed over the region.Accordingly, the claims set forth below should be construed in view ofthe full breadth and spirit of the invention as disclosed herein.

1-20. (canceled)
 21. A reconfigurable power channel extending between afirst device power port and a second device power port comprising: alogic controller that includes programmable logic elements and anassociated memory module operating an energy management schema program;a plurality of electrical control devices including a one-way DC to DCpower converter and a plurality of controllable switches each controlledby the logic controller, wherein the one-way DC to DC power converterincludes an input side for receiving input DC power and an output sidefrom which output DC power is discharged; an input power convertingchannel comprising a first conductive pathway that extends between thefirst device power port and the input side; and a second conductivepathway, that extends between the output side and the second devicepower port; an output power converting channel comprising a thirdconductive pathway, that extends between the second device power portand the input side, and a fourth conductive pathway that extends betweenthe output side and the first device power port; and a non-convertingpower channel comprising a fifth conductive path pathway that extendsbetween the first device power port and the second device power port.22. The reconfigurable power channel of claim 21 wherein the fifthconductive pathway comprises each of the fourth conductive pathway andthe second conductive pathway.
 23. The reconfigurable power channel ofclaim 21, wherein: the input power converting channel includes a firstcontrollable switch disposed along the first conductive pathway and afourth controllable switch disposed along the second conductive pathway;the output power converting channel includes a second controllableswitch disposed along the third conductive pathway and a thirdcontrollable switch disposed along the fourth conductive pathway; andthe non-power converting channel includes the third controllable switchdisposed along the fifth conductive pathway.
 24. The reconfigurablepower channel of claim 21 wherein the logic controller is configured toopen and close each controllable switch independently of the othercontrollable switches and to configure the reconfigurable power channelas any one of, the input power converting channel, the output powerconversion channel, and the non-power converting channel.
 25. Thereconfigurable power channel of claim 21 wherein the logic controller isconfigured to deliver control signals to the one-way DC to DC powerconverter, wherein the control signals correspond with establishing apower conversion of a DC input power received at the input side whereinthe power conversion comprises one of a DC to DC voltage conversion anda DC current amplitude modulation.
 26. The reconfigurable power channelof claim 25 wherein the DC to DC voltage conversion includes one ofincreasing and decreasing a DC voltage amplitude of the DC input powerreceived at the input side.
 27. The reconfigurable power channel ofclaim 25 wherein the DC current amplitude modulation includes modulatinga current amplitude of the DC input power received at the input sidebetween substantially zero current throughput and a maximum currentthroughput.
 28. The reconfigurable power channel of claim 21 furthercomprising a DC battery (360) electrically interfaced with the logiccontroller for powering elements of the reconfigurable power channel.29. The reconfigurable power channel of claim 21 further comprising apower sensor in communication with the logic controller disposed tosense any one of, a power amplitude, a voltage amplitude and a currentamplitude, of DC power proximate to the first device power port.
 30. Thereconfigurable power channel of claim 21 further comprising a nodecommunication interface and a node communication channel disposedbetween, the logic controller and the first device power port whereinthe logic controller is configured to determine, from an external DCpower device interfaced with the first device power port, operatingcharacteristics thereof.
 31. The reconfigurable power channel of claim21 wherein the second device power port is electrically interfaced witha DC power bus infrastructure.
 32. The reconfigurable power channel ofclaim 31 further comprising a plurality substantially identicalreconfigurable power channel devices each electrically interfaced withthe DC power bus infrastructure wherein the DC power bus infrastructureoperates at a DC bus voltage.
 33. The reconfigurable power channel ofclaim 32 wherein each of the plurality of identical reconfigurable powerchannel devices includes a network communication interface deviceoperated by the logic controller to establish a communication channelbetween the logic controller of each reconfigurable power channel andthe logic controller of one or more other of the plurality ofreconfigurable power channel devices.
 34. The reconfigurable powerchannel of claim 32 wherein each of the plurality of substantiallyidentical reconfigurable power channel devices includes an external DCpower device electrically interfaced with the first device power portthereof, wherein each of the plurality of substantially identicalreconfigurable power channel devices is self-configured to, one of:receive input power, from the DC power bus infrastructure, and deliverthe input power received from the DC power bus infrastructure to theexternal DC power device electrically interfaced with the first devicepower port corresponding therewith; and, receive input power, from theexternal DC power device electrically interfaced with the first devicepower port corresponding therewith and deliver the input power receivedfrom the external DC power device electrically interfaced with the firstdevice power port corresponding therewith, to the DC power businfrastructure.
 35. An operating method for configuring a reconfigurablepower channel that includes a logic controller operating an energymanagement schema program, a first device power port electricallyinterfaced with an external DC power device, a second device power portelectrically interfaced with a DC power bus and a one-way DC to DC powerconverter having an input side and an output side, the method comprisingthe steps of: determining, by the logic controller, a device type and anoperating voltage of the external DC power device electricallyinterfaced with the first device power port, wherein the device type isone of a power source and a power load; and determining, by the logiccontroller, an operating voltage of the DC power bus, wherein when theoperating voltage of the external DC power device is compatible with theoperating voltage of the DC power bus, the logic controller configuresthe reconfigurable power channel as a non-converting power channel byoperating one or more controllable switches to connect the first devicepower port with the second device power port, wherein when the operatingvoltage of the external DC power device is not compatible with theoperating voltage of the DC power bus, and the first external DC powerdevice is a power source, the logic controller configures thereconfigurable power channel as an input power converting channel byoperating one or more controllable switches to connect the first devicepower port to the input side and to connect the second device power portto the output side, and by configuring the one-way DC to DC powerconverter to match an output voltage amplitude from the output side withthe operating voltage of the DC power bus, and wherein when theoperating voltage of the first external DC power device is notcompatible with the operating voltage of the DC power bus, and the firstexternal DC power device is a power load, the logic controllerconfigures the reconfigurable power channel as an output powerconverting channel by operating one or more controllable switches toconnect the first device power port to the output side and to connectthe second device power port to the input side, and by configuring theone-way DC to DC power converter to match an output voltage amplitudefrom the output side with the operating voltage of the first external DCpower device.
 36. The operating method of claim 35 wherein the devicetype includes a rechargeable DC battery further comprising the steps of:determining, by the logic controller, a state of charge of therechargeable DC battery; and, designating, by the logic controller,whether to treat the rechargeable DC battery as a power source or apower load.